GASTROINTESTINAL PHARMACOLOGY
UPDATED SCRIPT 2026 PRACTICE
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What is the alimentary canal? Answer: A tube that runs from the
mouth to the anus, divided into sections (organs) with associated organs
that secrete digestive juices.
● What are the two main movements involved in the digestive process?
Answer: Peristalsis (wavelike movement) and segmentation (back-and-
forth movement).
● What is peristalsis? Answer: The alternating contraction and
relaxation of smooth muscles that propels food along the gastrointestinal
tract.
● What is the structure of the stomach when empty? Answer: About the
size of a large sausage, it expands after a large meal.
● What are rugae in the stomach? Answer: Folds in the stomach wall
that allow it to expand as food enters.
, ● What is the role of the lower esophageal sphincter? Answer: It
regulates food passing from the esophagus into the stomach and prevents
stomach contents from reentering the esophagus.
● What does the pyloric sphincter do? Answer: It governs the passage
of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
● Where does most absorption occur in the gastrointestinal system?
Answer: Almost all absorption occurs in the small intestine.
● What is the gut microbiome? Answer: The totality of microorganisms
present in the gastrointestinal tract, playing a role in nutrient absorption
and synthesis of vitamins.
● What is dysbiosis? Answer: A disruption in the balance between host
and gut microbiota, leading to changes in microbiota composition and
function.
● Name a common disease of the digestive system. Answer:
Gastroesophageal reflux.
● What is the pharmacological management of peptic ulcer disease
aimed at? Answer: Addressing the imbalance between gastric mucosal
defenses and antagonistic factors like H. pylori infection and gastric
acid.
UPDATED SCRIPT 2026 PRACTICE
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● What is the alimentary canal? Answer: A tube that runs from the
mouth to the anus, divided into sections (organs) with associated organs
that secrete digestive juices.
● What are the two main movements involved in the digestive process?
Answer: Peristalsis (wavelike movement) and segmentation (back-and-
forth movement).
● What is peristalsis? Answer: The alternating contraction and
relaxation of smooth muscles that propels food along the gastrointestinal
tract.
● What is the structure of the stomach when empty? Answer: About the
size of a large sausage, it expands after a large meal.
● What are rugae in the stomach? Answer: Folds in the stomach wall
that allow it to expand as food enters.
, ● What is the role of the lower esophageal sphincter? Answer: It
regulates food passing from the esophagus into the stomach and prevents
stomach contents from reentering the esophagus.
● What does the pyloric sphincter do? Answer: It governs the passage
of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
● Where does most absorption occur in the gastrointestinal system?
Answer: Almost all absorption occurs in the small intestine.
● What is the gut microbiome? Answer: The totality of microorganisms
present in the gastrointestinal tract, playing a role in nutrient absorption
and synthesis of vitamins.
● What is dysbiosis? Answer: A disruption in the balance between host
and gut microbiota, leading to changes in microbiota composition and
function.
● Name a common disease of the digestive system. Answer:
Gastroesophageal reflux.
● What is the pharmacological management of peptic ulcer disease
aimed at? Answer: Addressing the imbalance between gastric mucosal
defenses and antagonistic factors like H. pylori infection and gastric
acid.
